Dispensing device

ABSTRACT

Apparatus is described for enabling the contents of a container to be dispensed. The apparatus is portable and comprises a base member that has a cone-shaped nose section which forms a discharge spout at one end thereof, a handle assembly that includes a mounting section and a handle section, and a retaining bar that is slidably supported on the base member and is adapted to engage one end of the container from which the contents are to be dispensed. The retaining bar is operably connected to a gripping lever that is pivotally supported on the handle assembly, such retaining bar being slidably movable by actuation of the gripping lever. A cutter element is disposed ahead of the discharge spout and coacts with cutting means provided on the end of the retaining bar that engages the container. Actuating the gripping lever causes the cutting means and cutter element to perforate opposite ends of the container which enables rapid dispensing of the contents. The retaining bar and gripping lever can be interconnected in several ways, for example, by a rack and segmental pinion gear arrangement, a connecting strip of spring metal, a pin and slot arrangement, or the like. Preferably, the retaining bar and handle assembly are adjustably positionable so as to accommodate containers of various sizes.

United States Patent 1191 DiBattista DISPENSKNG DEVICE [76] Inventor: Giuseppe DiBattista, 46-Martin St.

2, Stamford, Conn.

22 Filed: Feb. 11, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 225,553

52 us. on. .Q 222/835 [51] 1m.c1. B67b 7/28 [58] Field of Search 222/324, 180, 323, 183,

[57] ABSTRACT Apparatus is described for enabling the contents of a container to be dispensed. The apparatus is portable and comprises a base member that has a cone-shaped nose section which forms a discharge spout at one end thereof, a handle assembly that includes a mounting section and a handle section, and a retaining bar that is slidably supported on the base member and is adapted to engage one end of the container from which the contents are to be dispensed. The retaining bar is operably connected to a gripping lever that is pivotally supported on the handle assembly, such retaining bar being slidably movable by actuation of the gripping lever. A cutter element is disposed ahead of the discharge spout and coacts with cutting means provided on the end of the retaining bar that engages the container. Actuating the gripping lever causes the cutting means and cutter element to perforate opposite ends of the container which enables rapid dispensing of the contents. The retaining bar and gripping lever can be interconnected in several ways, for example, by a rack and segmental pinion gear arrangement, a connecting strip of spring metal, a pin and slot arrangement, or the like. Preferably, the retaining bar and handle assembly are adjustably positionable so as to accommodate containers of various sizes.

10 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PMENTHI "326 I814 KNEE? 2 W 3 1 DISPENSING DEVICE This invention relates generally to apparatus for dispensing the contents of a container. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable dispensing apparatus that is adapted to enable an operator to dispense the contents from a normally sealed container. The contents could be a fluid such as oil, transmission fluid, fruit juices, of the like, or the contents could be granular, particulate, solid material.

The present disclosure will describe a dispensing apparatus that is especially well suited for dispensing oil or other such liquid from a container in-the form of a can. The invention is not, however, intended to be limited to that particular use and form but rather is intended to only be illustrative of one particular embodiment thereof. By way of background information, it will, for example, be a familiar sight to some readers to see, for instance, a service-station attendant select a can of oil or transmission fluid, push a dispensing funnel having a cutter element thereon into one end of the can .and then, simultaneously invert the can and place dant then either holds the container with one hand to steady the same, simply props the can and discharge funnel somewhat precariously in place and waits for the oil or transmission" fluid to drain from the can. Such'an operation can be somewhat messy as well as being potentially wasteful of the oil and also as being timeconsuming if the funnel and can fall over. Another and somewhat sii'nilarsight which may be familiar to the reader is that of seeing various types of can openers being used to puncture a can of juice or the like, and then, without the benefit of a pouring spout or funnel, watch a person attempt to dispense the juice quicky and in an efficent manner. This, 'too, can be difficult and messy, especially if large cans such as 48 or 120 fluid ounce cans are involved as is frequently the case, for example, in a restaurant or hotel kitchen. It will readily be recognized that such methods previously used for dispensing oil or juice or other such liquid have certain potential hazards inherent therewith.

The 'priorart has developed a variety of container holders and dispensers. These dispensers overcome the above objections but they also have inherent disadvantages. Some of the dispensers require two hands to manipulate; a dispenser requiring only one hand would, of course, free the operator's other hand to perform other activities. In addition, many dispensers puncture only one end of a container, thereby limiting the dispensing of the container to a relatively slow operation.

Even those dispenserswhich produce one dispensing hole and Ya second breathing hole to speed up the dispensing time often place at least the second hole in the side of the can. A growing number of containers have fabric sides rather than the traditionally metallic sides of the tin can" and side-piercing a fabric produces an irregular hole which might produce leakage. A end-piercing dispenser would overcome this problem since even fabric side cans have metallic ends.

Certain end-piercing dispensers are known to the prior art. However, in the end-piercing dispensers to date the movement of the movable cutter element has not been rectilinear with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container. Thus, the gripping action of the movable cutter prior to piercing is inefficient. Moreover, it is more difficult to make a dispenser havinga nonrectilinear movable cutter adjustable to hold a variety of containers and thus none of the end-piercing dis pensers known to the prior art are adjustable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide an improved dispensing apparatus which overcomes many of the inadequacies of the prior art. The aparatus described below is easy to handle, operates efficiently and with little likelihood of causing a mess or of wasting significant quantities of the material being dispensed.

It is another object of this invention to provide a dispens'ing apparatus that is adapted for use with containers of various sizes, without requiring complicated modifications to the same.

In a broad sense, the invention is embodied in an apparatus for dispensing the contents of a container, comprising; a base member having a nose section provided with a discharge spout, and a cutter element disposed adjacent to and ahead of said spout; a handle assembly including a mounting section that serves to secure the same to said base member, a handle section fixedly joined to the mounting section and cooperating with a gripping lever pivotally supported on said handle assembly; and a retaining bar slidably supported on the base member and having an inner end and an outer end, the outer end having lug means for engaging an end of said container which includes cutting means thereon when it is desired to dispense quickly, as with oil cans, the inner end of the retaining bar being operatively connected to a related end of said gripping lever such that, in use, actuation of said lever effects a sliding movement of the retaining bar so that said cutting means and cutter element function to simultaneously perforate opposite ends of the container, thus enabling the contents thereof to be dispensed through the discharge spout. Various modifications to such apparatus are contemplated within the spirit of this invention, as will become apparent from the description below.

Accordingly, reference should now be had to the accompanying' drawings which illustrate various embodimentsof the present dispensing apparatus, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view taken from the handlebearing side of the dispensing apparatus described herein;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view taken in section longitudinally of another form of dispensing apparatus similar to that of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2; and

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are fragmentary elevation views, partly in section, and illustrating further modifications made to the dispensing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Turning now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the numeral 1 designates the present dispensing apparatus overall, and the latter comprises very broadly a base member 10 and a handle assembly 20. The base member 10 is formed in a straight section 12 of arcuate crosssectional configuration having a nose section 14 that is conical in shape to define a discharge spout 16. This base member 10 can be manufactured by stamping from sheet metal or by molding or casting a plastic material, or the like. As will be seen from both FIGS. 1 and 2, the front side of the base member is adapted to support a container which is indicated by ghosted outline. A cutter element 18 is also securely fixed to the base member on the front side thereof ahead of and adjacent to the nose portion 14. The cutter element 18 will usually be made from a metal such as steel since its function is to cut through the end surface of the container to provide a dispensing opening. As will be seen from FIG. 1, the handle assembly 20 includes a mounting section 22 and a handle section 24 which is shown as being integrally formed with and connected to the base section 12, as by spot welding or the like. This interconnection need not always be rigid, as will become apparent from FIG. 2 and the description below. A gripping lever 26 that is preformed or shaped for convenience of actuating, is pivotally mounted on the handle assembly 20 by means of a pivot pin 28. A coiled return spring 30 is wound around the pivot pin 28 and has two arm portions extending therefrom which respectively engage the handle section 24 and the gripping lever 26 to cause such level to be biased to a normal rest position (as shown in FIG. 1).

A retaining bar 32 is slidably mounted on the base member 10, in this case on the back side thereof, and has an L-shaped locking lug 34 provided at the outer, free end thereof. The locking lug 34 extends laterally from the bar 32 and serves to engage the beaded edge on a can or other such container in order to effectively retain the latter in place on the dispensing apparatus. This will be apparent from FIGS. 1 and 2. The free end of the lug 34 is preferably provided with cutting means in the form of a cutting point 35 which serves to perforate the end of such a can or other container in order to provide a vent opening for rapid dispensing. It will be understood that in some instances where the receptacle for the contents of the container is by its physical nature incapable of receiving a large quantity of flow under rapid vent hole dispensing, it is desirable to eliminate the formation of the vent hole and in such instances the cutting point is not provided.

The inner end of the retaining bar 32 is operatively interconnected to the inwardly facing adjacent end of the gripping lever 26, such that grasping and actuating the gripping lever pivotally effects a sliding movement of the retaining bar in a direction towards the nose section 14. In so moving, the locking lug 34 applies a force to the container tending also to move it towards the nose section 14. Because of that force, the cutting means 35 and the cutter element 18 will simultaneously perforate opposite ends of the container and thus enable the contents of the latter to be dispensed. The cutting means 35 functions to provide a vent opening, while the element 18 provides the dispensing opening in the container. It should be noted that the angle of the cutting edge on cutter element 18, best seen in FIG. 2, is preferably shallow, being in the order of 10 to 20 with respect to a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base member. A shallow angle on the cutting element 18 is desirable in order to push the tongue of metal being formed as perforation proceeds. back, well into the interior of the container. A sharp tip will also be provided in order to ensure rapid initial penetration of the end surface of the container as soon as the above-mentioned force is generated by actuation of the gripping lever 26. This will provide an unobstructed opening of maximum size.

As previously mentioned, the cutter element 18 is securely fixed to the base member 10, in this instance by rivets 19, spot welding or other such fastening means, and it will be recognized that since the present dispensing apparatus 1 can be made from different types of material, depending upon the intended use of the same, whatever means of securing various component parts together will necessarily have to be compatible with the material. For use in service stations, for example, the present dispensing apparatus 1 might well be made from stampings of steel, put together and subsequently galvanized; while a dispensing apparatus intended for use in hotel or restaurant kitchens would normally be made of stainless steel or other such material which would 'comply with governmental health and safety standards. Furthermore, even though a plastic material could be used with the various component parts of the dispensing apparatus 1 being molded or cast, in all likelihood the cutter element 18 and the retaining bar 32 (or at very least the locking lug and cutting means 35) would be made of steel in order to provide a cutting edge or surface which would retain its sharpness for long periods of time.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the inner end portion of the retaining bar 32 and the related end of the gripping lever 26 are interconnected by means of a strip of spring metal 36 that has been welded at one end to the retaining bar 32. The opposite end of the strip 36 is reduced in width and extends through an opening 38 in the lever 26 and is then curved around th spot welded on itself as best shown in FIG. 2. It should be noted that because of the pivotal mounting of the gripping lever 26, its inner end will traverse an arc when such lever is actuated. On the other hand, the retaining bar 32 is normally movable to reciprocate between a rest position and an operative or perforationproducing position along a generally linear path that is parallel to the base member 10. It is necessary, therefore, that whatever interconnection is actually used to interconnect the inner end of the retaining bar 32 to the related end of the gripping lever 26, such interconnection be capable of accommodating these two different types of motion. Various types of interconnection might be used in practice, an these are illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 and are described below.

Another embodiment of a dispensing apparatus of the type contemplated herein is illustrated in FIG. 2. There, a dispensing apparatus is seen to comprise, broadly, a base member and a handle assembly adjustably secured thereto. As in the embodiment described previously, the front side of the base member 110 is adapted to support a container which is shown in ghost lines, and is provided at its forward end with a conical nose section 114 which defines a discharge spout 116. A cutter element 118 is fixedly secured to the base member by means of rivets 119, adjacent to and just ahead of the nose section 114. The base member 110 is provided with flanges 112 that are turned over rearwardly in order to facilitate supporting the handle assembly 120.

The handle assembly 120 includes a mounting section 122 and a handle section 24. A gripping lever 126 is pivotally mounted by means of pin 128 on the handle assembly 120 and a return spring 130 is wrapped around the pin 128. A retaining bar 132 has its outer end provided with a locking lug 134 on which a cutting surfacel35 is provided. As in the previous embodiment, the inner end of retaining bar 132 is interconnected to the inner and related end of the gripping lever 126 by means of a strip 136 of spring metal that is welded at one end to the retaining bar 132, and is wrapped around the end portion of the lever 126 formed by the opening 138. As described above, the retaining bar 132 will normally reciprocate along a path that is generally parallel to the base member 110,

between a normal rest position as shown in FIG. 2 and an operative or perforation-producing position in which the gripping lever 126 has been actuated and squeezed to a position more closely adjacent the handle section 124. I

A particular modification of the dispensing apparatus 100 that will be evident from FIG. 2 is the adjustability of the handle assembly 120 and retainingbar 132 relative to the base member 110 in order to accommodate containers of various sizes. As best shown in FIG. 3, instead of rigidly interconnecting the base member and handle assembly, as before, the base member 110 has its edges turned over the adjacent edges of the section 122 of the handle assembly, as indicated at 149, so as to provide for relative sliding movement therebetween. A series of spaced locking openings 150 are preferably punched out of the base member 110 which are adapted to be selectively engaged by a cooperating lug 152 provided on the inwardly facing end of a release trigger 154. This release trigger 154 is pivotally sup ported on an extension of the handle assembly 120 by means of a pivot pin 156. A coil spring 158 is wound around this pin 156 and serves to bias the release trigger 154 into a position in which the lug 152 normally engages the locking opening 150. With the handle assembly 120 and retainin bar 132 positioned as shown in FIG. 2, and with lug 152 being in locked engagement with the locking opening 150, a container of a preselected size can be used with the dispensing apparatus 100. For purposes of illustration only, suppose such a container is of a one-quart size. In order to then accommodate a container of one imperial quart size, it is necessary only to actuate the release trigger l54and disengage the lug 152 from the locking opening 150. The entire handle assembly 120 is then free to move relative to the base member 110, being slidably retained by means 0 the wrapped-around edges 149 cooperating with section 112 until the next opening 150 is engaged by the lug 152. It is necessary only to push the handle assemblyl rearwardly to such an extent that the imperial quart container can be placed into a position supported by the base member 110 and betweenthe cutting point of the cutter element 118 and the cutting point 135 of the locking lug 134. Actuation and squeezing of the gripping lever 126 will cause a force to be applied to the retaining bar 132 which will then tend to be moved in a direction toward the cutter element 118. The application of such a force will then cause the point and cutting edge of the cutter element 118 and the cutting edge 135 to simultaneously perforate opposite ends of the container. Because the cutting edge 135 providesza vent opening, the contents of the container I can rapidly be dispensed through the opening formed by the cutter element 118 and via the discharge spout 116 into whatever receptacle is intended to receive such contents.

While the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and described above allows the dispenser to be used with containers having a variety of sizes, the size range encompassed is limited by the length of base member 110. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 increases possible size range of the containers which can be opened by the dispenser 100. In this embodiment, a box-like bracket 197 is fixedly secured to the end of the retaining bar 132 which slidably receives an elongated locking member 198 preferably in the form of a flat bar or rod. In any event, the locking bar contains a serrated surface 199 which cooperates with a spring detent 200 attached-to bracket 197 to provide a variety of positions for the locking bar. Further, the end of locking bar facing the cutter element 118 is preferably provided with a cutting point 201 which coacts with the cutter element in the same manner which was described in relation to cutter edge 135. In operation, the handle assembly 120 is moved to the proper position to accept the container to be dispensed whence, locking bar 198 is adjusted to contact one end of said container. The gripping lever 126 is squeezed which moves the retaining bar 132 and cutter arm 198 toward the cutter element 118 causing cutter element 118 and cutting edge 20] to simultaneously perforate the opposite ends of the container.

The retaining bars 32 and 132 of the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 were interconnected to the related ends of the gripping levers 26 and 126 by means of a strip of spring metal. FIGS. 5-7 show other arrangements for operatively interconnecting the retaining bar and gripping lever so as to accommodate the different types of motion to which each is subject. In FIG. 5, the inner end of the retaining bar is provided with a rack that is engaged by a segmental pinion gear 172 provided on the inner, related end of a gripping lever 174 that is pivotally supported on a pivot pin 176 on the handle assembly 180. Actuating and squeezing of the gripping lever 174 in the same manner as in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 will cause movement of the segmental pinion gear 172 along an arc. In so moving, the teeth on the pinion gear 172 will engage teeth on the rack 170 thus causing the retaining bar 132 to be moved forwardly relative to the base member 110.

FIG. 6 shows yet another modification for interconnecting the inner end of the retaining bar 132 and the related end of the gripping lever. In that instance, a connecting link ispivotally connected at one end to the inner end of the retaining bar 132 and at its other end to the inwardly facing end of the gripping lever. It will again be seen that such an arrangement can accommodate the arcuate travel of the gripping lever 126 and the reciprocal motion of the retaining bar 132.

FIG. 7 also shows yet another way of interconnecting the retaining bar 132 and the gripping lever 126. In this instance, the inner end of the gripping lever 126 is provided with a slot 194. A pin 196 is slidably received within the slot 194 and is supported on a mounting bracket 198 that is welded to otherwise secure to the inner end of the retaining bar 132. Once again, it will be seen that pivotal motion of the gripping lever 126 can be accommodated simultaneously with the reciprocal, linear motion of the retaining bar 132.

The foregoing disclosure has described two particular embodiments of a dispensing apparatus of the type contemplated herein, an in addtion, has suggested various modifications to the same. Person skilled in this art may also recognize other obvious changes to the specific forms described above. It is intended within the spirit of this invention to encompass all such modifications and changes, as defined by the claims below.

I claim:

1. A device for dispensing the liquid contents of a container of the type including a cylindrical wall with opposed end closures for containing oil or the like, said device comprising a base member having surface means for receiving and supporting a container along its wall in a receiving position and for movement with respect thereto from said receiving position in a direction along the axis of the container into a dispensing position,

a first end closure engaging element fixedly carried by said base plate adjacent an end portion thereof in a position to engage an end closure of a container received and supported on said base member surface means in said receiving position,

cutting surface means on said first end closure engaging element operable in response to the movement of said container from said receiving position to said dispensing position to pierce an opening in the end closure engaged thereby through which the contents of the container can flow while said first end closure element is'engaged therein,

a funnel structure fixed on said base plate adjacent said first end closure engaging element and including a receiving portion having interior surface means disposed to receive the liquid contents of the container flowing through an opening in the first end closure thereof pierced by said first end closure engaging element and a discharge end portion,

a second end closure engaging element disposed in opposed, spaced relation to said first end closure engaging element,

an operatively fixed handle extending outwardly from said base member in a direction generally opposed to the direction in which said base member surface means faces, said handle comprising a metal plate bent to provide a pair of transversely spaced mounting plate sections operatively fixedly connected to the said base member, a handle section of U-shaped cross-sectional configuration including an elongated bight portion interconnecting two transversely spaced leg portions fixed at one end to said mounting plate sections and extending outwardly therefrom, and a tab extending from the bight portion adjacent the one end of said leg portions in generally parallel relation to said base member,

a strap operatively fixed with respect to said second end closure engaging element, said strap extending longitudinally along the opposed side of said base member within said tab and the adjacent leg portions for longitudinal generally rectilinear movement with respect thereto,

an actuating lever pivotally carried intermediate its ends adjacent said handle and including a longer portion extending generally at an obtuse angle from said handle in a limiting position wherein the end thereof is disposed in spaced relation to said handle for pivotal movement toward said handle,

spring means for resiliently biasing said actuating lever portion away from said handle and toward said limiting position,

exterior surface means on said handle and said actuating lever portion engageable manually by a single hand of a user to enable the user to effect the pivotal movement of said actuating lever portion from said limiting position in a direction toward said handle through an operative stroke, and

means operatively connecting the opposite end of said actuating lever to said strap for effecting a rectilinear movement of the latter and said second end closure engaging element toward said first end closure engaging element in response to the manual movement of said actuating lever portion toward said handle against the action of said spring means for enabling the user l during the first part of the operative stroke of said actuating lever portion to effect support of the container through interengagement of the end closures thereof between the cutting surface means of said first end closure engaging element and said second end closure engaging element and movement of the discharge end portion of said funnel structure in communicating relation to a receptacle to receive the contents of the container while the container is thus supported and (2) during the completion of said operative stroke of said actuating lever portion to effect the piercing action of the cutting surface means of said first end closure engaging element to thereby permit the contents of the container to flow outwardly of the opening pierced in the first end closure by said first end closure engaging element through said funnel structure into the receptacle.

2. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said second end closure engaging element comprises an integral bent end formed on said strap having cutting surface means thereon operable in response to the rectilinear movement thereof toward said first end closure engaging element to pierce an opening in the second end closure through which air can flow while said second end closure engaging element is disposed therein.

3. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said strap includes a bracket fixed thereto, said second end closure engaging element comprising a bar slidably mounted within said bracket for movement toward and away from said first end closure engaging element, and means for locking said bar with respect to said bracket in any one of a plurality of selected positions of sliding adjustment.

4. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting means includes a strip of spring metal rigidly secured at one end to said strap and pivotally connected at its opposite end to said lever.

5. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting means includes a rack on said strap and a meshing segmental pinion on said lever.

6. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting means includes a slot in said lever and a pin disposed within said slot carried by said strap.

7. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting means includes a link pivotally connected at one end thereof to said lever and at the other end thereof to said strap.

8. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the pair of mounting plate sections of said handle are rigidly fixed to said base member.

9. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the pair of mounting plate sections of said handle are longitudinally slidably connected to said base member, and means for operatively fixing said handle in any one of l 10. A device as defined in claim 9 wherein said handle operatively fixing means includes a spring loaded lug pivoted on said handle for selectively engaging a plurality of selected positions of longitudinal adjustspaced openings in said base memberment with respect to said base member. 

1. A device for dispensing the liquid contents of a container of the type including a cylindrical wall with opposed end closures for containing oil or the like, said device comprising a base member having surface means for receiving and supporting a container along its wall in a receiving position and for movement with respect thereto from said receiving position in a direction along the axis of the container into a dispensing position, a first end closure engaging element fixedly carried by said base plate adjacent an end portion thereof in a position to engage an end closure of a container received and supported on said base member surface means in said receiving position, cutting surface means on said first end closure engaging element operable in response to the movement of said container from said receiving position to said dispensing position to pierce an opening in the end closure engaged thereby through which the contents of the container can Flow while said first end closure element is engaged therein, a funnel structure fixed on said base plate adjacent said first end closure engaging element and including a receiving portion having interior surface means disposed to receive the liquid contents of the container flowing through an opening in the first end closure thereof pierced by said first end closure engaging element and a discharge end portion, a second end closure engaging element disposed in opposed, spaced relation to said first end closure engaging element, an operatively fixed handle extending outwardly from said base member in a direction generally opposed to the direction in which said base member surface means faces, said handle comprising a metal plate bent to provide a pair of transversely spaced mounting plate sections operatively fixedly connected to the said base member, a handle section of U-shaped crosssectional configuration including an elongated bight portion interconnecting two transversely spaced leg portions fixed at one end to said mounting plate sections and extending outwardly therefrom, and a tab extending from the bight portion adjacent the one end of said leg portions in generally parallel relation to said base member, a strap operatively fixed with respect to said second end closure engaging element, said strap extending longitudinally along the opposed side of said base member within said tab and the adjacent leg portions for longitudinal generally rectilinear movement with respect thereto, an actuating lever pivotally carried intermediate its ends adjacent said handle and including a longer portion extending generally at an obtuse angle from said handle in a limiting position wherein the end thereof is disposed in spaced relation to said handle for pivotal movement toward said handle, spring means for resiliently biasing said actuating lever portion away from said handle and toward said limiting position, exterior surface means on said handle and said actuating lever portion engageable manually by a single hand of a user to enable the user to effect the pivotal movement of said actuating lever portion from said limiting position in a direction toward said handle through an operative stroke, and means operatively connecting the opposite end of said actuating lever to said strap for effecting a rectilinear movement of the latter and said second end closure engaging element toward said first end closure engaging element in response to the manual movement of said actuating lever portion toward said handle against the action of said spring means for enabling the user (1) during the first part of the operative stroke of said actuating lever portion to effect support of the container through interengagement of the end closures thereof between the cutting surface means of said first end closure engaging element and said second end closure engaging element and movement of the discharge end portion of said funnel structure in communicating relation to a receptacle to receive the contents of the container while the container is thus supported and (2) during the completion of said operative stroke of said actuating lever portion to effect the piercing action of the cutting surface means of said first end closure engaging element to thereby permit the contents of the container to flow outwardly of the opening pierced in the first end closure by said first end closure engaging element through said funnel structure into the receptacle.
 2. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said second end closure engaging element comprises an integral bent end formed on said strap having cutting surface means thereon operable in response to the rectilinear movement thereof toward said first end closure engaging element to pierce an opening in the second end closure through which air can flow while said second end closure engaging element is disposed therein.
 3. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said strap includes a bracket fixed thereto, sAid second end closure engaging element comprising a bar slidably mounted within said bracket for movement toward and away from said first end closure engaging element, and means for locking said bar with respect to said bracket in any one of a plurality of selected positions of sliding adjustment.
 4. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting means includes a strip of spring metal rigidly secured at one end to said strap and pivotally connected at its opposite end to said lever.
 5. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting means includes a rack on said strap and a meshing segmental pinion on said lever.
 6. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting means includes a slot in said lever and a pin disposed within said slot carried by said strap.
 7. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting means includes a link pivotally connected at one end thereof to said lever and at the other end thereof to said strap.
 8. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the pair of mounting plate sections of said handle are rigidly fixed to said base member.
 9. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein the pair of mounting plate sections of said handle are longitudinally slidably connected to said base member, and means for operatively fixing said handle in any one of a plurality of selected positions of longitudinal adjustment with respect to said base member.
 10. A device as defined in claim 9 wherein said handle operatively fixing means includes a spring loaded lug pivoted on said handle for selectively engaging spaced openings in said base member. 